SUDDEN DEATH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 9726, 16 May 1892, Page 3

SUDDEN DEATH.

Oa May 3, as Mr M. Cowan, cabman, was returning along Manchester street, after taking a faro to the 1.30 p.m. train, ha saw Mr W. A. Thomas, late Official Assignee in Bankruptcy, lying on the side of the path in Manchester street, opposite Messrs Morrow, Bassett and Co.’s office. He palled up, and noticed that Mr Thomas was beckoning to him, but was unable to speak. A number of Messrs Morrow, Basaoifc and Co.’a employees were by this time assisting, with Captain Fopham, to raise Mr Thomas, and they put him into the cab, and Mr Cowan drove off fast to The Grange, Opawa, Mr Thomas’ residence. On arrival there, Mr Thomas was apparently asleep. Mrs Thomas tried to rouse him, but ineffectually. He was carried into the houao and laid upon a bed. Cowan then went for Dr Murray-Aynsley, who was at the house in a short time, hut only to find that life was extinct. The doctor had nob been attending Mr Thomas, but knew so much of him, that he was not surprised at his going off in a fit of apoplexy at any time, Mr Thomas has resided in Canterbury only about eighteen months, during which time he has made many friends in social as well as business circles. He has been a consistent supporter of and regular attendant at St Mark’s Church, Opawa. He was fifty-one years of age, and leaves a widow and family of young children to mourn his loss.